Forester, Operations and Timber Development

• Play a hands-on role in stewarding Skwlāx lands through responsible forestry and long-term economic activity
• Receive an annual salary of $105,000 to $125,000, plus comprehensive benefits, pension, relocation assistance for the right candidate
• Work within a Secwépemc community where land stewardship, accountability, and collaboration guide daily forestry work

About Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw (SteS)

Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw (formerly Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band) is a forward-thinking Secwépemc community known for its leadership, cultural strength, and bold approach to economic development. Rooted in the traditional identity of Skwlāx, meaning Black Bear, the Nation has built a reputation for creating opportunities that honour culture while driving long-term prosperity. Signature ventures such as Quaaout Lodge, Talking Rock Golf, and Le7ka Spa have elevated Indigenous tourism in the Shuswap region and showcased Secwépemc hospitality to visitors from around the world.

Today, Skwlāx te Secwépemcúl̓ecw continues to advance community well-being through its four guiding pillars of Health and Wellness, Administration, Economic Development, and Lands. Its dedicated Wellness department provides holistic, culturally grounded services that support individuals and families at every stage of life. This is a community where innovation, cultural pride, and collective growth shape a meaningful place to build your career.

For more information, please visit our website:

About the Opportunity

SteS is looking for
a full-time Operations and Timber Development Forester
based out of the Skwlāx Main Office in
Chase, BC
, with work carried out across the
Kamloops, Chase, and Salmon Arm region
.
A hybrid work option is available.

Reporting to the Forestry Manager, this position is responsible for overseeing timber development and forestry operations, with accountability for planning, field execution, compliance, and coordination with internal teams, contractors, and regulators.

In this position, you will be primarily responsible for managing forestry operations across timber development, harvesting, silviculture, road development, and environmental and safety oversight.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Planning timber development activities including reconnaissance, cutblock layout, and road design
• Preparing, reviewing, and managing site plans, harvest plans, watercourse assessments, and permit applications
• Supervising logging operations, road construction, and contractor field activities
• Conducting inspections, quality checks, waste assessments, and tracking related operational data
• Overseeing post-harvest silviculture work including surveys, planting supervision, and reporting
• Managing operational data and field technologies such as GIS systems and drone imagery
• Reviewing consultant and contractor fieldwork for accuracy and compliance
• Supporting forestry-related economic development work and engagement with external stakeholders

To read the full position description, please
click here
.

About You

To qualify, you will need
a degree in Forestry or Natural Resource Management
and registration as a
Registered Professional Forester (RPF) in British
Columbia,
or
eligibility and willingness to obtain it
. You will also need
10+ years of professional forestry experience
across planning, operations, and stewardship.

The following are required:

• Hold a v
  alid Class 5 BC Driver's License
  and
  access to a reliable vehicle
• Ability to undergo
  a Criminal Record Check
• Ability and willingness to
  travel within the region
  regularly to remote forestry sites
• Ability to work safely in rugged terrain and variable weather conditions, with
  a high level of physical fitness

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• Experience in timber development, cutblock and road layout, and operational planning
• Working knowledge of harvesting systems including cable yarding, tethered, and helicopter-based methods
• Background in contract supervision, logging operations, and road construction oversight
• Strong understanding of BC forestry regulations, appraisal systems, and post-harvest requirements
• Proficiency with forestry software and systems such as GIS, Phoenix, RESULTS, ESF, HBS, ECAS, and WASTE
• Experience completing inspections, waste assessments, and compliance monitoring
• Familiarity with silviculture obligations including surveys, planting supervision, and reporting
• Ability to build and maintain working relationships with government agencies, contractors, suppliers, and First Nations

As our ideal candidate, you will possess sound judgment, clear communication skills, and a safety-first mindset that supports consistent decision-making in both field and office settings. You bring accountability, attention to detail, and confidence working independently while contributing positively within a highly engaged team environment.

This is a senior operational forestry position suited to someone who values hands-on fieldwork, takes ownership of outcomes, and is motivated to support sustainable forestry practices and long-term economic activity for the Nation.

Note: Preference will be given to applicants who have First Nation or Indigenous ancestry.

About the Benefits

As a valued member of our team, you will be rewarded with an attractive
annual salary ranging from $105,000 to $125,000
based on skills and experience, along with the following benefits:

• Comprehensive health benefits (Extended Health, Dental, LTD, AD&D, Life Insurance)
• Group RRSP/GIA – SteS will match 100% of your contribution each pay up to a maximum of 5.5%
• Relocation assistance for the right candidate
• Wellness Time (Accrued at 5.77% of Gross Earnings after Probationary Period is Served)
• Support for professional development, training, and required certifications
• Use of organizational vehicles may vary based on availability and internal policy

If you are committed to supporting wellness and contributing to a thriving community, we encourage you to
apply today